More Thoughts on Visiting Monasteries

I have been re-reading "Elder Ambrose of Optina" by Fr. Sergius Chetverikov (St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood's translation) and came across this passage from the funeral homily of Blessed Ambrose which was given by Hieromonk Gregory Borisoglebsky at the Shamordino Conven which was founded by the Elder. It is an exhortation to monastics to remember the lessons of Fr. Ambrose, but it is also a very good list of reasons for us laypeople to go on pilgrimage.

"And you, monastics, serve-serve sincerely and unrestrainedly, as the reposed Fr. Ambrose served people in the world. Celebrate the church services piously, with fervent feeling and tears of love. Where will the layman hear real services celebrated according to the rubrics, if not in a monastery? Where is he to hear real, ancient, Russian church signing, if not in the churches of the holy monasteries? Monastics-preserve the rubrics and church singing in holiness, and by this, serve the world. Where can a layman become attuned in regards to religion? Again, in a monastery. He walks within the walls of a holy monastery, where the relics of saints repose, where there are miracle-working holy icons. He walks and his soul is filled with reverential fear. He listens to each sound, he is edified by every inscription, every holy picture. Know this, monks, and reverently protect the religious attunement of the layman. Serve him in the Monastery every way you can. Preach to him tirelessly; believe that he will retain the sermons he hears in the Monastery for a long time. Go through all your sacred treasures with him, through all the churches; show him and tell him everything. Receive under your protection the poor, the sick, and the orphan. When you, monk or nun, stand at prayer, do not forget to pray earnestly for the sinful world-it needs your prayers. And so, Russian monastics, remember and keep sacred the posthumous testament of Elder Ambrose: love even sinful people, and serve them as much as possible."

Very 19th century and a little long winded, but at every monastery I have visited these charges are fulfilled, and more. I do not think anyone be he Orthodox, Roman, Protestant, Buddhist, or atheist could visit our holy monasteries without his heart being moved. We may not have many holy elders in our age, but at least we still have men and women struggling to lead the Gospel life. To the rest of us, that is edification and instruction enough.